Warriors fans had plenty of questions about the Warriors adjusting without KD

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Golden State Warriors’ Kevin Durant (35) lowers his head in the final minute of their game against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of their NBA second round playoff series at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas on Monday, May 6, 2019. The Houston Rockets defeated the Golden State Warriors 112-108. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Warriors coach Steve Kerr sounded optimistic both with that question and about Durant’s long-term health. After all, the Warriors still have Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. Nonetheless, Durant averaged a steady 34.2 points per game during the postseason. That’s kind of hard to replace.

Hence, the questions from Warriors fans in the latest mailbag. For future Warriors mailbags, you can send questions to me on Twitter or through our free email newsletter, Warriors HQ. And now let’s empty the inbox…..

I imagine “Game 6 Klay” will prepare the same way he did for Game 5. Then, both the Warriors and Klay looked to get himself going early. So he played aggressively. The Warriors set him up for looks. And Klay did not force shots.

Klay basically played the opposite of that in Game 5. Usually when Klay hits his low point, though, he then offers the best version of himself. I think Klay will continue to do that in Game 6 given the stakes and KD’s absence.

Outside medical experts say that it usually takes seven to 10 days. If the Warriors advance to the Western Conference Finals either against Portland or Denver, Durant would be on track to return for Game 3. Here is the complete schedule.

How does the Warriors game plan change with KD out? Does it become more spread PnR and fewer isolations? Does this play into the hands of Houston’s switching defense? Or do you think it makes GS harder to guard?

The Warriors hope their game plan plays out the same way it did in the fourth quarter in Game 5. They move the ball and primarily look for Steph, Klay or the next open man. The Warriors follow Draymond’s lead to play with all out intensity. And, yes, they will run more pick-and-roll plays than more isolation.

Don’t get it twisted. The Warriors are harder to defend with Durant on the floor. Had it not been for Durant, the Warriors could’ve lost their first two games and gotten beaten by double-digit margins in their two isolations. But the Warriors have a clearer direction on what offensive style to play. That put that blame more on the Warriors than Durant, though, given his consistency.

Nope. Neither Lee nor Derrickson can play. They are on two-way contracts with the Warriors and their G-League team in Santa Cruz. So they can only practice with the team. The Warriors would have to waive someone on their regular-season roster to make room for either of those players. And the Warriors aren’t doing that.

Media reports described the injury as "mild" but Warriors PR official announcements didn't have "mild" or any grade level attached to it – neither initial nor post-MRI announcements. Are we certain it is mild or grade 1?

The Warriors confirmed it is a mild strain. They would not confirm it is a Grade 1. But when I talked with outside medical experts, they see they use the term “mild” and Grade 1″ interchangeably. I caution that these doctors have not worked with Durant, and are not affiliated with the Warriors. Yet, it seems like a fair assumption to think it is a Grade 1 strain.

Amid all the complaints from the Rockets and Warriors, they have been fairly even on the number of free-throw attempts they have received this series. I have no stake in this at all. But I will say I understand why Curry feels frustrated he does not go to the foul line more often. He often drives to the rim and receive contact without getting rewarded a whistle. I don’t see a conspiracy, though. Officials make mistakes.

I can see both scenarios happening. I can see the Warriors having a throwback moment to the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with plenty of Splash Brothers, Draymond playing defense and Iguodala doing everything. Even if they fulfill those job descriptions, though, I can also see the Warriors simply not having enough depth to keep up with the Rockets. That’s why this will be a compelling game to watch.

Kerr hasn’t used Quinn because he does not trust him on defense. Kerr hasn’t used Bell because he does not trust him period. With Durant out, everyone’s role could be elevated. But I see Quinn having a bigger role than Bell will ever have because Kerr likes Quinn’s playmaking.

do you think the warriors will continue with their “youth movement” next season?

The Warriors surely want to. But outside of Kevon Looney, I think the Warriors are lukewarm on all of their young players. They will keep Jacob Evans in hopes to develop him since most late first-round picks do not play much on their rookie season. But I don’t see the Warriors exerting much effort to keep Cook or Bell.